Donna Kniep

Donna Lou Kniep (nee’ Harris) 88, passed into the loving arms of Jesus September 5, 2024. Born April 18, 1936 in St. Louis, MO. to Saint Clair and Pauline (nee Fullerton) Harris. She lived a life dedicated to her husband, family and elementary school children.

She graduated from Normandy High School in 1954, then earned an education degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she was president of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority; then her master’s in education plus 30 from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO.

She married the love of her life, Paul H. Kniep on the Fourth of July 1958 and throughout their 55 years of marriage raised two daughters, Dana (Michael) Tippit of Chesterfield, MO. and Kay (Robert) Kaempfe of Loveland, CO. They delighted in three grandchildren, Alicia (Jonathan) Foos of Windsor, CO., Samantha Tippit of San Luis Obispo, CA. and Kevin (Carson) Tippit of Brentwood, MO. and two great-grandsons Taron and Callan Foos of Windsor, CO.

She devoted 32 years of teaching in the Hazelwood School District at Elm Grove and then Lusher Elementary where she encouraged students to “Don’t be shy, ‘Ask why?’”

Donna and Paul’s early family life in Florissant, MO. was spent in the backyard pool, camping, boating and vacationing across the US in their motorhome when not attending their girls’ numerous sporting events. Later they explored Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and most recently Donna made memorable Colorado trips to meet and enjoy two great-grandsons.

She truly cherished her lake home on Raintree Plantation in Hillsboro, MO. where watched (and fed) the numerous local birds, and she and Paul dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the children at the subdivision Christmas parties. She loved to boat, fish, attend painting and water aerobic classes and was an active member of St. Martin’s United Church of Christ.

Known for her outgoing and friendly personality accented by an infectious smile, she gathered treasured friends wherever she went and regularly lunched with Normandy High School friends, Lusher school colleagues and most recently added the ladies of Kensington neighbors when she moved to Ellisville, MO. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, beloved sister, Sue and brother-in-law, Port Reece. She will be tremendously missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandsons, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Public visitation will be held on September 13th from 11am to 1pm at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church (601 Claymont Dr, Ballwin, MO 63011) followed by a memorial service at 1 pm. Graveside commitment to be on September 14th at 10am at Oak Grove Cemetery (7800 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63114). 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and the Alzheimer's Association or your favorite charity.